Waria - Fulvio Bugani
In Indonesia, [queer amab's] are known as Waria, a term which is a combination of two Indonesian words: “wanita,” which means woman, and “pria,” which means man.
In a country with a conservative culture and where the majority of the population is Muslim (approximately 202.9 million of believers - 87.2% of Indonesia’s total population and 13,1% of the World Muslim population) they face a certain level of marginalization and discrimination. They are prone to ridicule, violence, and poverty, since their job opportunities are generally limited.
Many waria leave the island where they were born, to go to Yogyakarta, the old cultural capital of Java, where the atmosphere is more tolerant and relaxed. Here live approximately 3 million people and almost 300 Waria, usually gathered in isolated communities to help and support each other. Only few of them manage to have stable job and a relationship with a man. Everyone struggle to have a semblance of normal life. Often their families don’t know who they really are.
